How to Wear Plaid

Few patterns are as iconic and recognizable as plaid. Originating from the “Tartan” style of cloth used in ancient Scotland, this print is a well-known fashion staple around the world.[1] When it comes to this versatile pattern, the possibilities are endless—to help narrow down your options, peek through this list for a little outfit inspiration! We've got ideas for casual outfits, formal ensembles, and everything in between.

Method 1
Method 1 of 16:
Pair neutrals with plaid for an easy combo.

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    Neutrals allow the colors in your plaid to really stand out. Pick out a neutral-toned top or some neutral bottoms to act as the base of your outfit. Then, layer your plaid garment over top to add an extra burst of color! Choose neutral-colored shoes to finish off your look.[2]
    • You might wear a black tee and jeans with a brightly-colored plaid flannel with black boots.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 16:
Pick garments that contain one of the colors in your plaid for a cohesive look.

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    Plaid patterns offer a lot of colorful wiggle room. You might match parts of your outfit to the colorful section of your plaid, or play around with the neutral tones in the pattern.[3]
    • If you’re wearing a blue, black, and white plaid shirt, you could match with a pair of blue or black jeans.

Method 3
Method 3 of 16:
Pair a plaid button-up and chinos for a classy look.

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    Slip into a button-down plaid shirt with a stiff collar. Then, slip into a pair of neutral-toned, tapered chinos that complement your top, like charcoal, deep brown, or navy blue. Layer your winter coat over top to finish the outfit.[4]
    • If your plaid shirt is on the larger side, stop by a tailor to get darts, or specially-placed seams, along the back of the garment.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 16:
Look profressional in a suit and plaid shirt.

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    White dress shirts aren’t the only way to get dressed up. Choose a dress shirt with a smaller plaid pattern that nearly looks checked. Slip into your suit jacket and pants as usual, and pick out a matching tie to complete the look.[5]
    • Choose a suit jacket that matches the texture of your plaid shirt. For example, if your top is made with thicker material, grab a thicker suit jacket from your closet.

Method 5
Method 5 of 16:
Stay professional with a plaid blazer.

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    Blazers are a chic way to introduce plaid to the workplace. Assemble the rest of your outfit first, focusing on neutral tones that blend well with your jacket. Then, slip on your plaid jacket overtop for a casual, work-ready look.[6]
    • For example, you might layer a dark, plaid blazer over a neutral-toned top and skirt.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 16:
Dress up for formal events in a plaid suit.

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    Plaid isn’t just meant for casual looks! Plaid-patterned jackets are a sophisticated way to dress up your outfit. Layer your suit jacket over a polo shirt for a business casual look, or go formal with a classy dress shirt.[7]
    • Wear your suit jacket over your hoodie to dress down your outfit a little bit.
    • Opt for a smaller print in a more subdued color if you want to wear a plaid suit.[8]

Method 7
Method 7 of 16:
Create a dapper look with a plaid coat.

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    Plaid coats add a fun burst of color and texture to your look. When you head outside, button up your coat so it becomes the focal point of your outfit.[9]
    • For a seamless look, pick out a top that matches 1 of the colors in your plaid coat.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 16:
Choose plaid pants as a semi-formal accent.

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    Plaid pants add dimension to your look without going over-the-top. Pick out a pair of pants that meshes well with the color scheme of your outfit—to play it safe, mess around with neutral tones, like black and white.[10]
    • For a more modern look, pick out plaid plants with a more minimalist design.

Method 9
Method 9 of 16:
Slip on a plaid skirt for an elegant feel.

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    Plaid skirts add some texture without being too dramatic. Slip into a plaid pencil skirt for a polished, work-ready outfit, or pick out a long skirt for a breezier look.[11]
    • Pair your skirt with a plaid jacket or blazer to really take it to the next level.
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Method 10
Method 10 of 16:
Recreate an iconic look with a plaid flannel and jeans.

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    Wear a casual, button-down top untucked over your pants. Leave your shirt buttoned up for a classic look, or keep it unbuttoned over a plain tee. There’s no right or wrong way to style this iconic outfit![12]
    • Plaid tops are flexible, and work in all kinds of weather. Grab a long-sleeved tee if it’s a bit chilly outside, or stay cool in a short-sleeved plaid top.
    • Slip into a pair of distressed jeans and combat boots for an edgy, grungy look.[13]

Method 11
Method 11 of 16:
Slip a jean jacket over a plaid dress for a classic outfit.

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    Slide into a short, breezy dress in a fun plaid pattern. Then, layer a denim jacket over top, along with a brimmed hat. Complete the look with a pair of tights and ankle boots. Now, you’re ready to hit the town![14]
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Method 12
Method 12 of 16:
Pair a plaid top with bold pants for a streetwise outfit.

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    Find a pair of solid-colored pants that match your plaid top. This isn’t too difficult—most plaid patterns are made with a variety of different colors, so you’re bound to have a matching pair of pants somewhere in your wardrobe.[15]
    • For example, if your plaid top has thin, red stripes going through the design, slip into a pair of red jeans or slacks to accent the color scheme.

Method 13
Method 13 of 16:
Create an laid-back look with a plaid flannel and bodysuit.

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    Layer a pair of wide-leg jeans over your bodysuit. Then, slip on an oversized, unbuttoned flannel, which doubles as a jacket or cardigan.[16]
    • You might pick out neutral-toned jeans and a neutral-toned bodysuit and contrast them with a colorful plaid.
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Method 14
Method 14 of 16:
Toss a fringe jacket over a plaid flannel before a night out.

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    Layer a plaid top over a short, knee-length skirt. Slip on a pair of tights or leggings underneath, along with a set of tall combat boots. Add some texture to your outfit with an oversized fringe jacket.[17]

Method 15
Method 15 of 16:
Wear plaid on plaid for an eye-catching outfit.

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    Different types of plaid don’t have to look tacky. Pick out 2 plaid tops that fall under a similar color scheme, but have slightly different patterns. Pair these garments together for a stylish, eye-catching look![18]
    • For instance, you might mix a traditional plaid top with a Tartan-style skirt.
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Method 16
Method 16 of 16:
Dress up your look with a pair of plaid shoes.

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    Plaid is a popular color for accessories, too! Some companies manufacture shoes in plaid, which add a high-end look to your outfit. Pick out a pair of plaid pumps or mules to give your outfit a luxurious accent.[19]
    • You can also find plaid shoes in casual styles, like slip-ons, sneakers, and boots.

Community Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    What are some faux pas when you're wearing plaid?
    Katie Quinn
    Katie Quinn
    Image Consultant
    Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist.
    Katie Quinn
    Katie Quinn
    Image Consultant
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    I don't think there's a blanket answer for that—it's really personal. Do choose a plaid that's proportionate to your body—a smaller person needs a smaller plaid, while a larger person can wear a larger plaid.
  • Question
    What kind of pants should I wear with flannel?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Black or blue jeans work with any flannel. If you're a girl/someone who wears feminine clothing, black leggings are a good option also.
  • Question
    What kind of hat goes best with a plaid button up and chinos?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    A panama or fedora in a neutral color works best. If you have one in a color that matches your plaid, that works too.
  • Question
    Does camouflage go well with plaid?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Not really. It's hard to match patterns in general, so unless you feel sure, it's generally a safer options not to mix and match too much.
  • Question
    Would it look bad if I wore another color of plaid with red pajama pants, like black plaid as a pajama top?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For pajamas, it would be fine. If you're meeting up for a sleepover, you might want something more co-ordinated.
  • Question
    What will look bad when wearing plaid?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Bright colors, normally. Plaid is already eye-catching enough due to the patterns. With another eye-catching color, everything clashes. You also want to avoid plaid on plaid.
  • Question
    How do I know what colors go with plaid?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Simple, solid colors go well. Regular blue (or white) jeans. Black leggings. Or if it's a plaid skirt or pants, try a white or black shirt. Or a solid color that is in the plaid.
  • Question
    Would a red plaid cap pair well with a charcoal grey hoodie? Or would the cap pop too much?
    KuroetheUnicorn
    KuroetheUnicorn
    Top Answerer
    Yes, the red plaid would be a great accent to brighten up the neutral shade of the grey hoodie. This is especially effective if the rest of your outfit has other dark or neutral colours.

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/tartan-history.html
  2. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/14-ways-to-wear-your-favorite
  3. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/14-ways-to-wear-your-favorite
  4. ↑ https://www.dmarge.com/how-to-wear-plaid
  5. ↑ https://www.dmarge.com/how-to-wear-plaid
  6. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/how-to/a31998/cool-new-ways-to-wear-plaid/
  7. ↑ https://www.gq.com/gallery/how-to-wear-a-plaid-suit
  8. ↑ Katie Quinn. Stylist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.
  9. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/how-to/a31998/cool-new-ways-to-wear-plaid/
  1. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/how-to/a31998/cool-new-ways-to-wear-plaid/
  2. ↑ https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/g29304701/chic-plaid-skirt-outfits/
  3. ↑ https://www.dmarge.com/how-to-wear-plaid
  4. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/14-ways-to-wear-your-favorite
  5. ↑ https://fmag.com/how-to-style-red-plaid-dress/
  6. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/g22798875/flannel-outfits/
  7. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/g22798875/flannel-outfits/
  8. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/g22798875/flannel-outfits/
  9. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/how-to/a31998/cool-new-ways-to-wear-plaid/
  10. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/best-plaid-outfits-winter-fashion-flannel
  11. ↑ Katie Quinn. Stylist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.
  12. ↑ Katie Quinn. Stylist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.

About This Article

Katie Quinn
Co-authored by:
Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
This article was co-authored by Katie Quinn and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist. This article has been viewed 193,638 times.
2 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: October 21, 2021
Views: 193,638
Categories: Color in Fashion
Article SummaryX

If you’re going to wear plaid, be sure to wear only one piece at a time, and avoid crisscrossing lines, which can be overwhelming or "busy" to look at. Next, pair your plaid with solid colors like white, black, or grey, since they go with many different colors and don’t clash with the complicated patterns of plaid. Alternatively, try matching plaid with one color that’s similar to another color in your outfit, such as jeans that are a shade similar to the blue in your plaid shirt. For tips on how to incorporate plaid accessories, like scarves, into your outfit, read on…

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